What Is an Artist’s Book? A Simple Guide to This Unique Art Form
Think about the word “book” and you’ll probably picture spines, pages, words running along the centre and perhaps a cover you wouldn’t be able to recall five seconds after closing it.
An artist’s book can have all of those things, but it doesn’t have to. Instead, artists take the traditional idea of a book and turn it upside down, inside out and occasionally into something involving far too much glue.
So, what is an artist’s book? Grab your favourite drink and let’s find out.
What Is an Artist’s Book?
The simple answer is this: an artist’s book is a work of art that takes the form of a book.
That sounds straightforward. But, of course, art rarely likes being straightforward for very long.
An artist’s book can be:
- A book you can actually read
- A book with no words at all
- A sculpture shaped like a book that you are absolutely not allowed to touch
- A concertina of paintings that unfolds across your entire living room floor
- A tiny book the size of your thumb that somehow has more personality than most people you know
Basically, if an artist makes it and plays with the idea of a book, it can become an artist’s book. The rules are loose. Creativity is the master here, not the printer.
A Brief History of Artist’s Books
Artist’s books have been around for a surprisingly long time. Artists such as William Blake combined images, text and bookmaking in ways that blurred the boundaries between literature and visual art, long before “mixed media” became a phrase found on gallery labels.
During the twentieth century, artists pushed the idea even further, turning the humble book into a complete art object.
The purpose was no longer simply to tell a story. The book itself became the artwork. The paper, printing, folds, binding, typography, illustrations and even the physical act of turning the pages could all become part of the creative experience.
Why Are Artist’s Books Important?
Artist’s books are interesting because they make art more accessible. They don’t necessarily need a gallery wall, an expensive frame or a posh opening night with warm white wine served in plastic cups.
They can be:
- Affordable – making art accessible to more people
- Portable – because who wants to carry a giant canvas onto the bus?
- Personal – you can explore them at your own pace
- Experimental – artists can play with ideas, materials and techniques
- Collectable – particularly when they are handmade or produced in limited editions
In other words, an artist’s book is art that can fit in your bag and doesn’t judge you for reading it in bed with biscuit crumbs everywhere.
What Makes a Book a Work of Art?
The biggest difference is artistic intention.
A traditional book generally exists to communicate information, tell a story or entertain you. An artist’s book can do those things too, but it may also be designed to make you question something, feel something or simply think, “Wait… what exactly am I looking at?”
Think about it like this. A cookbook tells you how to bake a cake. An artist’s book might show you fifty pages of crumbs and call it “Grief.”
Dramatic? Absolutely. But that’s art for you.
Artist’s books can incorporate collage, painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, typography and mixed media. Some are printed in editions, while others are completely handmade, one-of-a-kind objects.
They can also overlap with other forms of contemporary art, including art prints, zines, illustration and original artwork.
Types of Artist’s Books
There is no definitive list of artist’s book types, but here are some of the most common forms you might come across.
- Sculptural books: More object than traditional book. Excellent for staring at. Less excellent for reading in the bath.
- Illustrated books: Images do much of the heavy lifting, with words along for the ride.
- Pop-up books: Not just for children. Artists have been using paper engineering to create surprisingly sophisticated art.
- Zines: The scrappy, punk cousin of the artist’s book. Cheap, quick and full of attitude.
- Altered books: Existing books are painted, cut, folded or transformed into something completely new.
- Handmade books: Individually created books where the paper, binding, printing and construction become part of the artwork.
Why Should You Care About Artist’s Books?
Artist’s books can be a brilliant introduction to contemporary art, particularly if traditional galleries have ever felt a little intimidating.
There is something wonderfully approachable about being able to pick up a book, turn the pages and explore an artwork at your own pace.
They also make great gifts, interesting things to collect and a relatively low-pressure way for artists to experiment before committing to a huge canvas.
And if you already enjoy colourful, slightly ridiculous pop-art-inspired artwork, an artist’s book can be a particularly fun way to experience an artist’s ideas away from the traditional gallery wall.
How to Make an Artist’s Book
You don't need expensive equipment or a fancy studio to start experimenting with artist’s books.
- Grab some paper and start folding, cutting or joining it together.
- Add colourful paint, collage, drawings, photographs or your own questionable handwriting.
- Experiment with different page sizes, shapes and materials.
- Don’t worry about making everything neat. Artist’s books can embrace a bit of chaos.
- Think about how the reader will physically interact with the book.
- Most importantly, experiment and see what happens.
The beauty of an artist’s book is that there really isn't one correct way to make one.
Artist’s Books: Art You Can Hold
Artist’s books prove that art doesn't need a gallery wall or a price tag containing several terrifyingly large numbers.
Sometimes great art is something you can simply hold, turn over, explore and enjoy up close. Paper, paint, glue, ink and all.
So, next time someone asks “What is an artist’s book?”, you can answer with complete confidence:
It’s a book that decided being just a book was far too boring.
Discover More Artwork
If you enjoy discovering unusual, colourful and slightly mischievous contemporary art, take a look at my artist's books, art prints and original artwork.
Want first dibs on new artwork, prints and studio news?
Join the VIP mailing list and get the latest artwork and news delivered straight to your inbox.